Eastern Phoebes are back and calling loudly from locations along the Red Clay Creek at Ashland. Photo by Derek Stoner.

Spring has absolutely burst forth in the past couple weeks, and there are lots of exciting sightings to report upon. The first Skunk Cabbage in bloom was noted on March 18, while and an Eastern Phoebe arrived on March 20.

The First of Season Garter Snake showed upon March 27, while the first Anglewing butterfly of the season was noted fluttering by on April 4.

Violets burst forth in bloom at Ashland on April 11. Photo by Derek Stoner.

With temperatures reaching almost 80 degrees last week, plants burst forth in bloom: Bloodroot flowers were noted on April 9, Spring Beauty blossoms on April 10, and Violet flowers on April 11.

The warmth also brought along the first sighting of Barn Swallow on April 6, and the American Toads emerged on April 7. The first Snapping turtle of Spring was noted in the Ashland Marsh on April 10, while the first Water Snake made an appearance on April 11.

At this point in the season (April 15), there are only three remaining official Signs of Spring yet to be observed (or reported) at Ashland Nature Center: House Wren, Robin building nest, and Trout Lily blooming.

Pleas let us know what Signs of Spring you are seeing in your backyard!